Even with amazing mobile devices and computers as well as stunning display resolutions on monitors and screens, people still love to curl up with a good book. While there are plenty of ebooks available, many people still prefer buying paperbacks and hardcovers.
There is no one type of book that is popular among readers. There are self help, fiction, and educational books in the top 20 most popular books on Amazon this year. The list also shows that some books are just timeless classics that always find readers even in our modern times.
Fortunately, Amazon delivers books to Malaysia, so you can order from the site. However, double check the shipping fees before confirming – they can be pricey.
Here’s a list of the 20 most popular books on Amazon.com so far this year (2013) based on sales numbers. We’ll update this page at the end of the year too!
SEE ALSO: 6 Websites for Buying Books Online in Malaysia
1. StrengthsFinder 2.0 (Hardcover)
Author: Tom Rath
Published: 1st February, 2007
Most people spend their lives doing boring jobs that offer no fulfillment, without even realizing what their true talents are. The original StrengthFinder created by Gallup was an online assessment test designed to help people find their best five talents. This book, StrengthsFinder 2.0 is about the latest updated version of the talent assessment test and is a great reference book. This book helps readers use their strengths and transform their lives.
Buy on Amazon.com: StrengthsFinder 2.0 on Amazon.com
2. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead (Hardcover)
Author: Sheryl Sandberg
Published: 11th March, 2013
Sheryl Sandberg is one of the most successful female businesswoman in history and has already been named as one of Time Magazines most influential people in 2010. This gives her a unique perspective on the lack of women in the top echelons of major companies. Current COO of Facebook and ex-VP at Google, Sandberg offers her insight into the progress of women and the possible causes of the absence of women in top positions of government and in the corporate world. In this book, she offers practical solutions to help inspire and empower women by combining business lessons with personal stories.
Buy on Amazon.com here: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
3. Inferno (Hardcover)
Author: Dan Brown
Published: 14th May, 2013
Dan Brown’s books always gather a buzz since he published ‘The Da Vinci Code”. His stories are filled with symbols, mystical references, history, and suspense. The Inferno is no different and this is why people love it. Set in Italy, out favorite Dan Brown hero, Robert Langdon, is back and finds himself caught up in events surrounding Dante’s “Inferno”. He must draw clues and inspiration from the famous poem to keep the world safe.
Buy on Amazon.com: Inferno
4. The Great Gatsby (Paperback)
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Published: 30th September, 2004 (Re-issue edition)
The Great Gatsby is a timeless classic and literary masterpiece managing to be engaging to audiences regardless of the era. The resurge in popularity of this book is likely attributed to the release of the movie version starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The Great Gatsby, set in 1920s America, paints a beautiful picture of the Jazz Age. The lavish parties and fabulous wealth is juxtaposed with the heartbreaking loneliness of Gatsby and his obsession to win back Daisy Buchanan.
Buy on Amazon.com: The Great Gatsby
5. Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (Hardcover)
Author: Sarah Young
Published: 12th October, 2004
Jesus Calling by Christian missionary Sarah Young, helps people find faith in the Lord through her daily journals. She decided to collect and publish her entries in her daily journal with readers so that people may find peace in the Savior. She started writing in her journal by allowing God to take control and as a result the book is in his point of view (according to her).
Buy on Amazon.com: Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
6. Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife (Paperback)
Author: Eben Alexander
Published: 23rd October, 2012
This book talks about the miraculous recovery of Dr. Alexander from a debilitating brain condition that left him in a coma for days. Also, this book details his tryst with the afterlife where he claims to have been guided by an angelic force. As a man of science, he believed that near-death experiences were merely chemical reactions in the brain. In this book, he gives an account of how his near death experience changed his view about God.
Buy on Amazon.com: Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife
7. The Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd edition (Paperback)
Author: The College Board
Published: 21st July, 2009
Guides for SAT examinations are always very popular for students seeking to attend university in the United States. The most popular guide is the one released by the College Board – creators of the test. This latest edition of the book is a must have for those wanting to attend university in the United States.
Buy on Amazon.com: The Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd edition
8. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition: DSM-5 (Paperback)
Author: American Psychiatric Association
Published: 17th May, 2013
This book is the product of extensive and in-depth research by international mental health experts. The latest edition is one of the top tools to help mental health professionals diagnose and classify mental disorders.
Buy on Amazon.com: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition: DSM-5
9. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th Edition (Paperback)
Author: American Psychological Association
Published: 15th July, 2009
This publication manual is a boon to those who write and want to publish their non-fiction texts. This book is a guide or rather a style manual for students, editors, writers, etc. It is most useful for those writing in the field of social and behavioural sciences but can be useful for anyone.
Buy on Amazon.com:Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th Edition
10. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (Hardcover)
Author: Dr. Seuss
Published: 22nd January, 1990
This book is a must have for anyone embarking on a new journey in their educational life – be it graduation, joining pre-school, entering college, etc. Dr. Seuss trademark style is inimitable and this book explains that life is a roller coaster ride with engaging illustrations and humor.
Buy on Amazon.com: Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
11. A Song of Ice and Fire, (4 Vols.): A Game of Thrones / A Clash of Kings / A Storm of Swords / A Feast for Crows (Mass Market Paperback)
Author: George R.R. Martin
Published: 22nd March, 2011
For all those who love watching the “A Game of Thrones” TV show, this box set is for you. It contains four volumes of the story: “A Game of Thrones”, “A Clash of Kings”, “A Storm of Swords” and “A Feast for Crows”. A historical epic fantasy saga, this book has a plethora of characters that will captivate you.
Buy on Amazon.com: A Song of Ice and Fire, (4 Vols.): A Game of Thrones / A Clash of Kings / A Storm of Swords / A Feast for Crows
12. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts (Paperback)
Author: Gary D. Chapman
Published: 17th December, 2009
According to veteran marriage counselor, Dr. Gary Chapman, problems in a marriage are caused as the partners speak different love languages. According to him, there are five love languages – Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, and Physical Touch. Each language is explained in a funny manner and helps people understand what their spouses need much better.
Buy on Amazon.com: The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts
13. The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus, Book 4) (Hardcover)
Author: Rick Riordan
Published: 8th October, 2013
This book takes off where “The Mark of Athena” book ended and details the journey of Percy and Annabeth after they fall into the Underworld. There is a way to seal the Doors of Death from both sides but how will Annabeth and Percy get out when the Doors are sealed?
Buy on Amazon.com: The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus, Book 4)
14. Wonder (Hardcover)
Author: R.J. Palacio
Published: 14th February, 2012
A number 1 New York Times Bestseller, Wonder chronicles the struggles of August Pullman, who has a facial deformity that has stopped him from being a normal kid. Now he’s in a mainstream school and wants to be treated like any other kid but his classmates cannot reconcile with his face. A story of acceptance and empathy told from different viewpoints.
Buy on Amazon.com: Wonder
15. The Fault in Our Stars (Hardcover)
Author: John Green
Published: 10th January, 2012
This book was voted the best fiction book of 2012 by Time Magazine and is one of the best modern American love stories. This book is about Hazel, a terminally ill cancer patient and how her life changes when Augustus Waters appears. Heartbreaking and bold, this is a great work of fiction.
Buy on Amazon.com: The Fault in Our Stars
16. And the Mountains Echoed (Hardcover)
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Published: 21st May, 2013
If you loved “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns”, you cannot miss “And the Mountains Echoed”. Beloved author Hosseini, explores family relationships and bonds and how decisions can have consequence for future generations.
Buy on Amazon.com: And the Mountains Echoed
17. The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia (Hardcover)
Author: Shigeru Miyamoto, Patrick Thorpe, Eiji Aonuma, Michael Gombos and Akira Himekawa
Published: 29th January, 2013
Brought to you by the creators of the Legend of Zelda, this book is packed with information about the legendary video game and comics. This book has a stylish cover and is a must-have for lovers of the Legend of Zelda.
Buy on Amazon.com: The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia
18. Gone Girl (Hardcover)
Author: Gillian Flynn
Published: 5th June, 2012
A critically acclaimed psychological thriller, “Gone Girl” follows the story of the ideal couple Nick and Amy Dunne. All is not as it seems when Amy disappears and all evidence points to Nick. Clever, dark and witty, “Gone Girl” will hook you in.
Buy on Amazon.com: Gone Girl
19. Shred: The Revolutionary Diet: 6 Weeks 4 Inches 2 Sizes (Hardcover)
Author: Ian K. Smith
Published: 24th December, 2012
Ian K. Smith’s book “Shred” helps dieters solve common problems like hitting plateaus, losing the last few pounds, etc. A combination of meal replacements, low GI diet and meal spacing, “Shred” will help you improve your metabolism and reach your goal weight.
Buy on Amazon.com: Shred: The Revolutionary Diet: 6 Weeks 4 Inches 2 Sizes
20. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change (Paperback)
Author: Stephen R. Covey
Published: 9th November, 2004
A guide towards personal and professional growth, this book provides insightful approaches and principles to transform one’s life. Learn how to grab opportunities and facilitate change with the step-by-step guide in this book.
Buy on Amazon.com: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
See Also:
- 6 Websites for Finding Books That You’ll Love
- Top 20 Best Selling Ebooks on Amazon.com in 2013
- 6 Websites for Buying Books Online in Malaysia
- Kindle Ebook Reader in Malaysia: What You Should Know
- Amazon in Malaysia: What You Should Know
- Online Shopping in Malaysia: A Full Guide
Source: Amazon Best Book Sellers 2013
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Has anyone read ‘Gone Girl’ by Gillian Flynn? I’ve heard that book mentioned many times. I remember even seeing a character reading it in the TV show “Orange is the New Black” . Just want to know if it’s any good or for a certain type of taste in books.
I love it! Can’t wait for the movie. David Fincher is directing it too! Check it out: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2267998/